The first few years are a crucial time for children’s dental care, and a big part of ensuring healthy tooth development is choosing the right brush for your child’s age. Pediatric Dental Group, in Honolulu, has provided dentistry for Hawaii children for over 60 years.

They have information on brush types and sizes for children of all ages:

• Infant: Most babies are born with fully developed gums—some may even have a tooth or two, while others are born with temporary nodules at the roof of the mouth. In either case, you should clean your baby’s mouth twice a day. When no teeth are present, use a piece of gauze or a soft and damp washcloth. When the first tooth erupts, it’s time to switch to a baby toothbrush, which will have a much smaller head than normal. It’s safe to use a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) unless your pediatric dentist says otherwise.

• Toddlers: Children after age two will still need help brushing their teeth, but they may also become interested in their own dental care. The most appropriate toothbrush for toddlers should have a small head, soft bristles, and a large handle with grips.

• Ages Five To Eight: This is usually the age when children can start to brush independently, though some may need active encouragement to do it properly (e.g. some may get bored before brushing for the full two minutes). The right toothbrush for children of this age should have soft bristles and a sightly larger head. The handle doesn’t need to be as wide anymore, though many will come with grips.

• Ages Eight & Older: Older children will be able to brush independently, and can even use powered toothbrushes if you desire. While larger children will probably be able to use adult-sized toothbrushes, other kids will get the best dental hygiene from smaller brush heads.

It’s never too early to get your child started with proper dental care. With the right knowledge, you can teach your kids effective hygiene to keep their teeth healthy for their entire life.

Looking for a pediatric dentistry in Honolulu? Give Pediatric Dental Group a call at (808) 593-8828. For more dental care information, or to learn more about their practice, visit them online.